An analysis of Turkey’s water diplomacy and its evolving position vis-à-vis international water law

Abstract

This article analyzes Turkey’s transboundary water policy by examining its institutional framework and basic principles. It explores the reasons why Turkey voted against the UN Watercourses Convention. Turkey’s harmonization with the water law of the European Union is also scrutinized with an aim to assess its implications for transboundary water policy making. Turkish water diplomacy faces new challenges, such as the devastating impacts of prolonged droughts as well as ongoing instability and conflicts in Syria and Iraq. Hence, it is imperative for Turkey to systematically reconcile its water policy objectives in accordance with the global norms that are adopted in this field